Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1887-07-01
STORY OF A GIRLS LOVE.


Really, Corinne, you are too harsh
with your cousin; remember she's the
child of your dead fatner's sister,"
Il can't help it, mamma: the girl is a
burden 10 US, and you know it."
Il should think she was rather-a help"
said Mrs. Stanley, toying idly with her
fork and knife. "She certainly dresses
your hair for you and performs other
little duties that you could not do your
self"
"Oh, | know she tries TO earn her board
and clothes. which is only right and pro-
per, but think she ought TO be kept
more with the servants, where she belongs.
l was going to tell you that L have accept
cd an invitation to see Faust with Mr..
Bronson this evening"
His attentions are becoming very
marked, CorriD.e. They say he is worth
about a hundred thousand a year. Would
you marry him if he asked your" said
Mrs. Stanley, putting emphasis on the
''if," for she knew her daughter had been
angling fer the millionaire.
How do you know that he has not ask
ed me already!" said Corinne, with
laugh, and then the conversation ended.
Meanwhile pretty Louise Lynn sat in
her small bed room in the great fifth av-
enue house, and Wondered why her lot
was so hard. Silently she recalled face
she had loved long ago. 1t was the old,
old story. They had exchanged passion
ate VOWS to each other. At her fathers
former country seat their names were
carved on the same tree; there they had
sworn with clasped hands to be true to
each other for ever. But the course of
boJ w Tot
unwilling that Louise should become the
wife of a poor man, had forbidden their
meetings. A knock at the door interrupt
ed her musings. Corinne had sent for
her to dress her hair.
''You really would make a capital maid"
MISS stanley remarked, as she surveyed
her costume in an opposite mirror when
thoroughly dressed for the opera. "Marie,"
glancing toward her French femme de
cambre, will have to look out for her
laurels. Here, Louise, just carry my
white marino cloak down stairs, won't you
while | follow?"
Miss Stanly and her cousin had beer in
the dining room about five minutes when
the former glanced impatiently toward
clock on the mautel, exclaiming! at is
certainly very odd that Mr.. Bronson
doesn't, make his appearances"
just tnen a ring was heard at the door.
As it was not answered Immediately.
Corinne turned to her cousin and said,
Louise, go to the door"
''Is my position in the house, Corinne,
that of a mere seryant?"
Louise spoke the words in tones which
a faint, almost impreceptible quiver
shook, otherwise her demeanor was per
fectly calm.
"Yes," was the unhesitating answer.
You are merely domestic servant
nothing more"
''Very well; in that case I will obey"
She left the room with stately step,
though her wounded heart was beating
passionately.
With a steady hand, too, she unfasten-
ed the hall door.
A gentleman was standing outside.
Are Mrs. and Miss Stanley at homer"
he asked politely.
His voice made poor Louise's heart
beat quicker than ever.
"Ashton!" she exclaimed. Can it be
tIue?"
''Louise!"
The gentleman had caught her hands
in both of his, and was gazing eagerly
into her face.
"0h, Louise" he went on in tremulous
tones, what miracle is this? | have
sought for you ever since my return, but
to no purpose. And now, to find you
here. can scarcely believe my senses"
''You could not have cared much for
me-" poor Louise said, through her tears,
Observation-Disclosures you have never written
me line since-since-"
Written you, Louise? 1 wrote
dozen times"
Then the letters miscarried, for I
never received them. All! | know; my
fathers death-my change of address
But at this moment they were inter
rupted by the appearance of Corinne
on the scene.
''For heavens sake, Louise, what is the
meaning of all this?' she cried. Il
was not aware" she added, scornfully,
chat you aspired to know Mr.. Bronson"
The angry speakers face was livid with
CONSERVATION and rage.
Mr.. Bronson?" calculated Louise, as
tozishment overcoming every other feel
ing.
Yes. Mr.. Bronson" said Corrine,
mimicking her.
"What does this mean, Ashtou?" asked
Louise turning TO her lover.
Il am now known. dearest, as Mr..
Bronson, after a distinct uncle, whose
fortune l inherited and who wished me
to take his name. Accession to this estate
brought me back from California-to
search for you-but in vain"
There was moments silence, and
then Louise, as she looked at her cousin,
said:
And SO your grand Mr. Bronson,
Cousin Corinne, was, all the while, my
dear old Ashton" and she proudly clung
to his arm. She could not restrain a
slight exultation in her tone.
Yes, darlipg!'' said Mr.. Bronson, pres
| sing her arm, land am sure your cousin
will congratulate US. l certainly owe her
much for having given given home to
ny treasure"
| Did Corinne congratulate her cousin !?
| She was obliged to do so outwardly, at
| least for Louise and Mr.. Bronson were
married month later. But there are
| some smiles that means frowns, and We
/ fear Corinne's were such.